Drug Forum Will Address Ocean County's Critical Opioid Crisis

LITTLE EGG HARBOR TOWNSHIP, NJ — Ocean County had the second highest of drug overdoses of the state's 21 counties back in 2016, when 253 people died of drug overdoses, the majority which involved heroin, fentanyl and prescription opioids.

Ocean County Prosecutor Joseph D. Coronato and other experts will present an in-depth look into the opioid epidemic ravaging the county and the state at a "Knock Out Opioid Abuse Town Hall Series" hosted by the Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey.

The town hall, which is open to the public free of charge, will be held from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Thursday, May 17 at the Calvary Baptist Church, 850 Railroad Drive, Little Egg Harbor Township, NJ 08087. Doors will open at 5 p.m. for dinner and registration. The event will be held in collaboration with the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office and Calvary Baptist Church.

“It is important that residents get involved in the conversation and participate in their local Knock Out Opioid Abuse Town Hall to learn more about the disease of addiction, develop strategies to prevent substance use in their families and identify resources that can help people struggling with addiction,” said Angelo Valente, Executive Director of the Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey. “No community is immune to the opioid epidemic, and only by coming together can we effectively explore solutions to address this crisis.”

The series, which began in 2017 and has been hosted in 17 counties so far, focuses on the link between prescription opioid dependency and heroin use. It also examines the causes and possible solutions of the opioid crisis from several perspectives, including law enforcement, government, the medical community, prevention, treatment and recovery.

“Government, health, community and law enforcement officials nationally today have a clear picture of the tragic depth of the opioid crisis," Coronato said. "The fight to address it is a marathon – not a sprint, where all four entities must work together. Law enforcement cannot solve this crisis alone. Town hall events are critical in examining every element of the problem to find solutions and implement proactive measures to stop the unspeakable tragic loss of life. Each town hall provides valuable lessons from those living the nightmare.”

Coronato is one of the speakers slated to discuss the crisis.

Other speakers include:

Dr. Muhammad Abbas, Jersey Shore University Medical Center

Pastor Mike Dellaperute, Calvary Baptist Church

Lisa Dejesus, BS, Director of Prevention Services, Prevention Links

Michael Capko, Manager – DART Coalition

A dedicated website, knockoutopioidabuse.drugfreenj.org, includes the full schedule of countywide town hall meetings and registration information. Knockoutopioidabuse.drugfreenj.org also provides local, county and state substance abuse prevention and treatment resources available.

Logo: Courtesy of the Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey.